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Simi Valley man pleads not guilty to alleged hate crime

John Matteson, 29, of Simi Valley, was arrested Saturday night after allegedly stabbing a man who had just left a mosque. He appeared in court Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea.(Photo: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A Simi Valley man facing charges connected to an alleged hate crime incident and stabbing of a man who was leaving a mosque pleaded not guilty.

John Matteson appeared before Ventura County Superior Court Judge Nancy Ayers Tuesday afternoon for an arraignment.

Matteson, 29, is facing various charges, including four counts of disturbing the peace by fighting, which is a misdemeanor. However, special allegations of hate crime were attached to the four counts, which elevates the charges to a felony, Deputy District Attorney Ryan Sheahan said.

Matteson also faces one count of violation of civil rights.

Police arrested Matteson, but authorities are still looking for a second suspect who ran away from the scene. Police said Monday they believe that man is responsible for the stabbing.

As of Tuesday, investigators were still attempting to identify the second suspect, Simi Valley Police Sgt. Chris Johnson said.

According to Simi Valley Police officials, Matteson and another unidentified man allegedly started yelling anti-Muslim slurs at people coming from a mosque adjacent to a shopping center on Erringer Road at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday.

Sgt. Travis Coffey said the men may have earlier asked to use a bathroom at the Jamia Al-Raazi Islamic Center of Simi Valley and became angry when they were told it was closed. A fight erupted and a member of the mosque was stabbed, Coffey said.

Sheahan said the unidentified suspect stabbed a 36-year old male in the abdomen.Authorities described the victim's injuries as non-life-threatening.

Police allege the violence was not premeditated, but believe the man stabbed was targeted because of his appearance and his association with the mosque.

Matteson remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. Ayers ordered Matterson to appear back in court for a bail review hearing on Thursday. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 27.